Leaders who understand the effects of emotional contagion can help those they work with function at their best. This is especially true in anxiety-producing situations. Humor and playfulness affect both the leader and those around her in positive ways.

Show Notes:

This article explains how smiling can increase happiness.

This article explains emotional contagion and the research that supports the concept.

The story about the Rabbi and the 11 year-old who spelled “feces” in Hebrew phonetics is from Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue, by Edwin Friedman, pg. 209. And yes, the story does use the term “Sunday school,” which you might find odd for a synagogue. Friedman’s words, not mine.